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State of the University Address - Fall 2015

Interim President John P. Pelissero, PhD, addressed students, faculty, and staff at his first State of the University addresses on September 30 and October 1. To view the Lake Shore Campus address, see the video above. Below, please find highlights from his remarks.

To view Dr. Pelissero's State of the University PowerPoint presentation, click here.

Plan 2020 — The University unveiled its new strategic plan this fall, Plan 2020: Building a More Just, Humane, and Sustainable World. The plan prioritizes student access and success, advancing social justice through faculty development, collaborating across disciplines to address societal challenges, and engaging local and global societal challenges through partnerships. During his addresses, Dr. Pelissero outlined the strategies that are designed to help us reach our plan goals.

New Leaders — Since the spring, many leadership appointments have occurred, including Margaret Faut Callahan (BSN ’74), Health Sciences Division provost; Kevin Stevens, PhD (BA ’79), dean of the Quinlan School of Business; and Terri Pigott, PhD, dean of the School of Education. Father Garanzini, who stepped down as president last spring, will continue his service to Loyola as Chancellor.

Academic Additions — Arrupe College of Loyola University Chicago welcomed nearly 160 students this fall, 96 percent of whom are students of color. The new engineering science program also launched this fall and includes 35 freshmen. The program is expected to double in enrollment next year.

Enrollment and Outcomes — Student enrollment is at an all-time high with 16,077 students for the 2015–2016 academic year, 10,719 of which are undergraduate students. The freshman retention rate has improved (86 percent–best in three years), and the transfer retention rate is at its highest in 25 years (80 percent). Dr. Pelissero also provided background on past and current enrollment trends, the University’s improved graduation rates, and student outcomes data.

Facilities Updates — The John and Kathy Schreiber Center, home to the Quinlan School of Business, opened at the Water Tower Campus in August. Construction of the Center for Translational Research and Education on the Health Sciences Campus will be completed this fall and full occupancy of the research labs and centers will occur in spring 2016. Dr. Pelissero also highlighted the University’s new partnership with Atira Hotels, who will manage the Hampton Inn Chicago North/Loyola Station hotel when it opens on the Lake Shore Campus in October 2016.

Recognition and Accolades — For the first time, Loyola is ranked among the top 100 universities by U.S. News and World Report (#99). The University continues to receive recognition across departments and initiatives, including most recently, the Minority Access Diversity Award. The Loyola Phoenix was recognized by The Society of Professional Journalists as the best non-daily student newspaper in the country. And, last spring, the University earned its reaccreditation from the Higher Learning Commission.

Financial Stability — The University continues to be financially strong. Dr. Pelissero also announced that the Board of Trustees has approved a merit pool for faculty and staff raises in 2016.

Following his remarks, Dr. Pelissero also addressed questions on topics related to student post-graduation employment, the University’s marketing and advertising, and state/federal funding for higher education.

Questions regarding the addresses can be directed to Lorraine Fitzgerald at lsnyde2@luc.edu or 312.915.6400.